Muharraq, Riffa Resume Football Preparations

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Amid the ongoing challenging situation in the kingdom, Bahrain’s top football clubs have returned to training as the 2025–26 His Majesty the King’s Cup approaches its decisive stages. Muharraq have resumed full preparations under Portuguese coach Fernando Manuel de Jesus Santos, aiming to build on their strong quarter-final performance and make amends for their recent Khalid bin Hamad Cup final defeat to Riffa.

The Red Wolves secured their semi-final spot with a 3–0 victory over Al Shabab, thanks to goals from Edimar Ribeiro da Costa, Sami Frioui, and Arthur Rezende. In the semi-finals, they will face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Al Ahli, who sit 8th in the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League with 18 points, and First Division leaders Al Ittifaq. Both clubs see the cup as a major opportunity: Al Ahli to salvage their season in the top flight, and Al Ittifaq to make a statement from the First Division.

League leaders Al Khaldiya, coached by Tunisian Lassad Al Chabbi, also progressed, defeating A'ali Club 2–0 in their quarter-final. Al Khaldiya currently lead the Premier League on 36 points, tied with Muharraq but ahead on head-to-head results. They will face the winner of the other Saturday quarter-final, where Riffa — third in the league on 33 points — take on bottom-placed Bahrain Club. Riffa, who have already returned to training under coach Mohammed Mashaan, are looking to continue their strong cup form, while Bahrain Club aim to use the tournament to boost morale in a challenging league campaign.

Both remaining quarter-final matches on Saturday will be played without spectators to ensure the safety of players, officials, and staff, completing the semi-final line-up in Bahrain’s premier cup competition. Following the King’s Cup, the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League will resume on March 12, with Muharraq, Al Khaldiya, and Riffa all contending for the league title in the season’s final stretch.